Fall Protection Strategies for Economy Metals Standing Seam Roofs

See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Economy Metals Standing Seam Panels.

Who Is Economy Metals, Inc?

Economy Metals, Inc. is a well-established manufacturer and supplier of steel roofing, siding, and pole barn materials located near Centralia, Missouri.

Since 1992, the company has served the needs of builders, contractors, homeowners, and the general public throughout Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, and Illinois. Economy Metals prides itself on offering a broad selection of metal building products—including pole barn metal, snap lock, and standing seam roofing panels—alongside a full range of accessories and supplies to support any construction project. Their standing seam panels, such as the 1 1/2-inch Snap Lock and ECO MS Panels, are designed for residential and commercial use. They are available in various finishes and gauges, providing durable, weather-resistant roofing solutions.

Why Are Compatible Fall Protection Anchors Critical For Standing Seam Roofs?

Using compatible fall protection anchors is essential for maintaining safety and roof integrity when working on standing seam roofs.

Standing seam roofs present unique challenges for workers due to their smooth, slippery surfaces and the need to avoid penetrating the metal panels. Compatible fall protection anchors clamp securely onto the roof seams without drilling or creating holes, thereby preserving the roof's watertight seal and structural integrity.

These anchors provide a reliable tie-off point for safety harnesses, protecting workers from falls during installation, maintenance, or repairs. Furthermore, using compatible anchors helps contractors and roofing professionals comply with OSHA regulations and industry best practices, reducing the risk of workplace injuries and costly liability issues. Investing in the proper fall protection systems is critical for anyone working on standing seam roofs supplied by companies like Economy Metals, Inc.

Eco 1-1/2-inch Snaplock Panels

Economy Metals' ECO 1-1/2-inch Snap Lock panel is popular for residential and light commercial roofing applications.

See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Economy Metals Eco 1-1/2-inch Snaplock Standing Seam Panels.

The panel features a standard coverage width of 16 inches, making it efficient for installation and providing broad coverage per panel. Each panel has a prominent 1-1/2-inch tall rib, which adds visual appeal, structural integrity, and water-shedding capabilities. The recommended minimum roof slope for installation is 3:12. However, for pitches below this, a wind and water seal is advised to ensure optimal performance.

These panels mount onto a solid substrate—typically 5/8-inch plywood with 30# felt or synthetic underlayment. The unique snaplock design features concealed clips attached to the substrate with screws along one edge. The next panel then snaps over the clip, ensuring a clean, fastener-free exterior. This system features concealed fasteners, which protect the roof from water intrusion and maintain a sleek appearance.

ECO 1-1/2-inch Snap Lock panels are available in 24 and 26-gauge thicknesses, with finish options including Kynar 500 (Fluropon) for premium durability and color retention, as well as smooth and textured siliconized polyester finishes for a range of aesthetic preferences. All these finishes come with robust warranties—up to 40 years for crack, check, and peel resistance and 30 years for prorated fade and chalk resistance. Galvalume options are also available for those seeking additional corrosion protection.

The panel's attachment system uses standard and UL90 clips, spaced a maximum of 3 feet apart, with closer spacing recommended for specific substrates. The panels are available in custom lengths, typically starting at 26 inches. The standard panel features striated or pencil ribs. However, flat panels are available upon request, though they rarely get recommended due to the increased likelihood of oil canning. 

Fall Protection For Eco 1-1/2-inch Snaplock Panels

A comprehensive suite of fall protection options is available for 24-gauge steel Eco Snaplock standing seam panels to ensure worker safety without compromising the roof's integrity.

The SSRA1 Seam Anchors clamp securely onto the standing seams, providing a robust, non-penetrating attachment point for personal fall arrest systems. These anchors are quick to install and move, making them ideal for roofing crews that require flexibility across the job site.

The SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jacks expand the functionality of the SSRA1 Anchors. The SSRA2 jacks enable the safe addition of 10-foot wooden walkboards, providing workers with stable footing and helping distribute weight evenly across the roof surface. This setup reduces the risk of panel damage. It makes it easier and safer for workers to navigate the roof during installation or maintenance.

For larger projects or when multiple workers need to be protected simultaneously, the SSRA3 Anchor Plates are available. These plates enable the installation of temporary 100-foot horizontal lifelines directly onto the standing seam panels, again without any roof penetration. This system allows multiple workers to tie off simultaneously, providing continuous fall protection as they move along the length of the roof.

The Super Anchor 120-foot Standing Seam HLL Kit offers a complete solution for permanent fall protection needs. This kit includes everything required to install up to 120 feet of permanent galvanized steel cable lifelines on standing seam roofs without penetrating the panels. The system is designed for long-term safety and compliance, making it an excellent choice for buildings requiring ongoing roof access.

For standing seam roofs made from materials other than 24-gauge steel or for steeply pitched roofs with a pitch between 6/12 and 12/12, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist is the recommended option. This innovative device attaches to the roof peak, enabling workers to maintain a 100% tie-off while moving across the roof. The Ridge Pro Steep Assist is easy to install. It provides reliable fall protection on various roof types, ensuring safety for all workers regardless of the panel material or roof slope.

Together, these fall protection solutions provide roofing professionals with the tools they need to work safely and efficiently on standing seam roofs, eliminating the need for penetrations and preserving the roof system's long-term performance.

ECO MS 1-1/2-inch Standing Seam Panels

The ECO MS 1-1/2-inch Standing Seam panel is a mechanically field-seamed roofing system for commercial and residential applications.

See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Economy Metals ECO MS 1-1/2-inch Standing Seam Panels.

These panels feature a 1-1/2-inch tall vertical seam. They have a standard coverage width of 16-3/4 inches, with variations available to suit specific project requirements. The system is engineered for installation over a solid substrate, using either 30# felt or a synthetic underlayment for optimal performance.

ECO MS panels are available in both 24-gauge and 26-gauge steel and come in various finishes, including Kynar 500 (Fluropon), smooth and textured siliconized polyester, and Galvalume. All finishes are backed by strong warranties—40 years for crack, check, and peel resistance and 30 years for prorated fade and chalk resistance. The panels can be custom cut to lengths starting at 26 inches, with options for on-site or crated delivery. Attachment is typically achieved using low-fixed or low-floating clips, depending on the job specifics. The standard panel features a flat pan, though striated pans are available if preferred.

Fall Protection Solutions for ECO MS 1-1/2-inch Standing Seam Panels

For 24-gauge steel ECO MS panels, a range of compatible fall protection products is available to ensure worker safety without penetrating the roof surface.

The SSRA1 Seam Anchor clamps onto the 1-1/2-inch standing seam, providing a secure, non-penetrating attachment point for personal fall arrest systems. This feature allows workers to tie off safely during installation, maintenance, or repairs.

Workers can mount the SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jacks onto the SSRA1 anchors to enhance safety and efficiency. The SSRA2 jack enables the addition of 10-foot wooden walkboards, which provide stable footing and help distribute weight evenly across the roof. This setup reduces the risk of panel damage and makes it easier for workers to move safely across the roof surface.

For larger projects or when multiple workers need to be protected, the SSRA3 Anchor Plate allows for temporary 100-foot horizontal lifelines. These lifelines can be attached directly to the standing seam panels, again without any penetration, and enable several workers to remain tied off simultaneously as they move along the roof.

The Super Anchor 120-foot Standing Seam HLL Kit offers a comprehensive solution for permanent fall protection needs. This kit includes everything required to install up to 120 feet of permanent galvanized steel cable lifelines on standing seam roofs without penetrating the panels. This system is ideal for buildings requiring ongoing roof access and long-term safety compliance.

For panels made from materials other than 24-gauge steel or for steeply pitched roofs with a slope between 6/12 and 12/12, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist is the recommended option. This device hooks securely over the roof peak, allowing workers to maintain 100% tie-off while moving across the roof. It is easy to install and provides reliable fall protection for various roof types and materials.

Together, these fall protection solutions provide roofing professionals with the tools they need to work safely and efficiently on ECO MS 1-1/2-inch standing seam panels while preserving the roof's integrity and performance.

ECO MS 2-inch Standing Seam Panels

The ECO MS 2-inch Standing Seam is a robust, mechanically field-seamed roofing system for high strength and structural performance.

See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Economy Metals ECO MS 2-inch Standing Seam Panels.

With a prominent 2-inch tall vertical seam and a standard coverage width of 16 inches (variations available), these panels are engineered for direct installation over purlins, eliminating the need for a solid substructure. This feature makes them particularly suitable for various commercial and industrial applications. 

ECO MS 2-inch panels are available in 24-gauge steel as standard, with 22-gauge as an optional upgrade for increased durability. Custom cut lengths start at 26 inches, with on-site or crated delivery options. The standard panel features a flat pan, though striated pans are available if desired. The system features premium coatings, including Kynar 500 Paint Finish (offering a 40-year crack, check, and peel warranty and a 30-year prorated fade and chalk warranty) and Galvalume for added corrosion protection.

Fall Protection Solutions for ECO MS 2-inch Standing Seam Panels

A suite of compatible fall protection products is available for 24-gauge steel ECO MS 2-inch panels to ensure worker safety without compromising the roof's integrity.

The SSRA1 Seam Anchor clamps onto the 2-inch standing seam, providing a secure, non-penetrating attachment point for personal fall arrest systems. Workers can tie off safely during installation, maintenance, or repairs. 

Workers can mount the SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jacks on top of the SSRA1 anchors for a 10-foot wooden walkboard attachment. This setup reduces the risk of panel damage and makes it easier for workers to move safely across the roof surface.

For larger projects or when multiple workers need to be protected, the SSRA3 Anchor Plate allows for temporary 100-foot horizontal lifelines. These lifelines can be attached directly to the standing seam panels, again without any penetration, and enable several workers to remain tied off simultaneously as they move along the roof.

The Super Anchor 120-foot Standing Seam HLL Kit offers a comprehensive solution for permanent fall protection needs. This kit includes everything required to install up to 120 feet of permanent galvanized steel cable lifelines on standing seam roofs without penetrating the panels. This system is ideal for buildings requiring ongoing roof access and long-term safety compliance.

For panels made from materials other than 24-gauge steel or for steeply pitched roofs with a slope between 6/12 and 12/12, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist is the recommended option. This device hooks securely over the roof peak, allowing workers to maintain 100% tie-off while moving across the roof. It is easy to install and provides reliable fall protection for many roof types and materials. 

Together, these fall protection solutions provide roofing professionals with the tools they need to work safely and efficiently on ECO MS 2-inch standing seam panels, preserving worker safety and the integrity of the roof system.

Metal Roof Anchor Panel Compatibility For Economy Metals

 

Contact Us For More Information

For further details on roofing solutions and fall protection systems, please get in touch with us at 863-703-4522 or visit www.StandingSeamRoofAnchor.com. Let's work together to make your roofing projects safe, beautiful, and built to last. For more safety tips, refer to OSHA's 48-page Fall Protection Manual. Once you have determined the most suitable anchors for your roof system, download our free Anchor Inspection Form.

Safety Tips For Standing Seam Roofs

Prioritize Ladder Safety Training

Ladder-related incidents remain among the most avoidable hazards at any job site. Every crew member should be proficient in ladder inspection, proper placement, and secure anchoring using the 4-to-1 rule. Before anyone sets foot on the roof, emphasize safe climbing techniques—like maintaining three points of contact and wearing suitable footwear. A strong foundation in ladder safety begins with every step up.

Promote a Culture of Safety

Building a culture of safety goes beyond checklists and regulations—it thrives on daily commitment and open communication. Regular safety huddles, honest feedback, and an environment where all workers feel empowered to report concerns can turn a compliant job site into a genuinely safe workplace. When everyone takes ownership of safety, the whole team benefits.

Equip Workers with High-Quality Safety Gear

As pilots depend on instruments, roofers rely on high-quality safety gear. Harnesses, lanyards, and self-retracting lifelines (SRLs) are essential, but their effectiveness hinges on proper fit, comfort, and consistent use. Invest in OSHA-approved equipment your team trusts and will wear every time they climb.

Install Permanent Roof Anchor Systems

Permanent anchor systems are an innovative, long-term solution for roofs that require frequent maintenance or inspections. These fixed tie-off points streamline setup, ensure ongoing compliance, and eliminate the risk of repeated anchor installations damaging the roof. They're especially valuable for buildings with regular rooftop traffic.

Encourage the Use of Trauma Straps

Surviving a fall is only the beginning—suspension trauma can endanger a worker even after the harness does its job. Trauma straps enable workers to shift their weight, relieve pressure, and maintain an upright position while awaiting rescue. Lightweight and affordable, these straps are a critical yet straightforward addition to any fall protection kit.

Set Up Protective Guardrail Barriers for Work Zones

Guardrails are among the most straightforward and reliable fall prevention measures, especially in areas where constant tie-off is impractical. Installing guardrails around skylights, hatches, and roof edges creates a visible, physical barrier that helps crews work confidently and safely.

Use Specialized Anchor Systems for Standing Seam Roofs

Standard penetrating anchors can weaken seams, void warranties, and lead to leaks. Specialized seam-mounted anchors clamp securely to the roof without damaging the panel, offering a reliable tie-off point that protects workers and the roof. Ensuring compatibility is not just a best practice—it's essential for safety and roof longevity.

Consult Experts for Curved Metal Panels

Curved or radiused metal roofs present unique challenges that standard anchors may not address. Using an unsuitable system risks panel deformation or anchor failure. When tackling complex roof designs, seek advice from fall protection experts to identify custom solutions that ensure safety and structural integrity.

Develop OSHA-Compliant Safety Plans

A thorough safety plan is more than a checklist—it's a roadmap for every crew member. It should detail hazard zones, fall protection systems, rescue procedures, and individual responsibilities. Regularly updating and communicating this plan keeps everyone informed, aligned, and prepared for a safe day on the roof.

Ensure Proper Footwear for Stability

Proper footwear can make all the difference on a metal roof. Slip-resistant soles, firm ankle support, and flexible designs help prevent falls, reduce fatigue, and keep workers stable—especially on sloped surfaces. Choosing the best boots is a simple step with significant safety benefits.

Disclaimer

The views, recommendations, and information presented in this blog are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of the featured panel manufacturer, its brands, subsidiaries, or parent companies. Customers are strongly encouraged to contact the roof panel manufacturer directly for inquiries regarding fall protection compatibility with their products and to address any potential warranty issues arising after installing our products.